Being charged with a crime can be one the hardest, most stressful points in a person's life. It is important for you to know your rights under the state and federal constitutions, and to have the advice of an attorney who has handled your type of case before. Our office has handled cases across the entire spectrum of misdemeanors and felonies in Tennessee. We understand the importance of answering your questions promptly and the importance of keeping you fully informed about the case against you.

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation is a wide ranging field that covers issues ranging from contract disputes and debt collection to personal injury and orders of protection. While these matters can often be settled out of court, knowing how to file complaints, answers, and motions--not to mention knowing how to argue those matters to a judge or jury--is essential in making sure you are compensated for your losses.

Bankruptcy

Our firm helps people take control of their financial future. We can help you with debtor-creditor problems, mortgage foreclosure defense and alternatives, Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and alternatives to bankruptcy. To help you take control, we’ll apply our legal, economic, and business expertise to your particular situation and then provide you with options on how best to proceed. Whether you need to protect your home, get creditors off your back, or just need advice, let us analyze your situation and give you the tools you need to take back your life.

Corporate Law

There are several forms of business entities to choose from in Tennessee, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and general partnerships. Your choice of form will have repercussions on how you are taxed and what personal liability you may have for your company's dealings. Forming an entity, however, is just the beginning of your business venture. It is important for those with a stake in the entity to understand the laws governing such entity and to comply with such laws or risk losing the protection of the corporate form.

Mediation

Rule 31 Mediation offers the parties in a law suit the opportunity to settle their issues before going to trial in a non-judicial and informal setting. Courts throughout Tennessee are increasing turning to mediation in civil matters to help clear large dockets, while providing parties more control over the outcome of their case.

Family Law

Family law is an area of law concerning issues of spouses and children. The areas include divorce, custody, child support, establishing paternity of a child and parenting plan, dependency and neglect proceedings, grandparent visitation, terminating parental rights and adoption. Whether the case is contested or agreed upon, the attorneys at Rocco and Griffin are equipped to handle all matters of family law.

Custody

Not all couples who have children are married. Custody can include an array of issues such as the establishment of a parenting plan and the paternity of a father or a modification of an existing permanent parenting plan. The paramount consideration in issues of custody is what is in the best interests of the children. This can result in greed parenting plans or highly contentious, complex litigation. Nevertheless, the attorneys at Rocco and Griffin are equipped with handling all aspects of the custody process.

Divorce

The breakdown of a marriage can be an extremely difficult and nuanced process. The attorneys at Rocco and Griffin have extensive experience in handling a wide array of divorces. We have represented clients with extensive property and business assets as well as complex custody issues. We are equally adept at handling divorces where clients agree on all aspects of property and debt distribution as well as custody determinations. We pride ourselves on identifying the most pragmatic and efficient solution to dissolving our client's marriage.

Juvenile Law

Offenders who have not yet reached 18 years of age usually enter the juvenile justice system rather than the criminal justice system. Juvenile offenders are subject to different laws and procedures than adults who have been charged with crimes. Contact the attorneys at Rocco & Griffin to advocate for your cause.

Child Support

In all cases of custody and divorce, support of one parent will be set. The attorneys at Rocco and Griffin have experience in handling establishing child support, modification of child support obligations, and defense of contempt issues that arise as a result of a parent's child support obligations.

Immigration

Whether you are a permanent resident working towards citizenship, or an undocumented immigrant, any number of criminal or civil issues could cause problems for your status in the United States. From renewing expired visas to pursuing legal status or even citizenship, there are many remedies that may be available to you to help you avoid status revocation or deportation.

Landlord-Tenant Law

The relationship between a landlord and tenant is not always a harmonious one. As a landlord, it is important to understand that an expertly drafted lease can help you avoid unnecessary litigation or issues during any eviction process. As a tenant, it is important to be familiar with your rights under Tennessee law to fair notice of any breach, and in some cases, rights you may possess as a tenant in certain government housing.

Real Property Law

Real property law can be complicated and fraught with pitfalls. Whether you are transferring a piece of property as a gift, part of a divorce or other judgment, a sale, or part of an estate, it is essential that the transfer is done properly to avoid future complications. Our office has handled many types of transfers, both residential and commercial, on behalf of both private individuals and corporate entities.

Trusts & Estates

Estate Planning is essential for your family’s future. It is important to ensure that you have properly planned for yourself and your family in the event of your death. Trusts are estate-planning tools that can replace or supplement wills and help manage property during life. The attorneys at Rocco & Griffin will advise clients to help minimize risk and give you peace of mind in estate planning.

Probate

The probate process begins with the unfortunate death of a loved one. We can help you navigate this complicated area of the law in an efficient and compassionate manner. Whether you are dealing with a small estate under $50,000 dollars, probating a properly-drafted will, or administrating an intestate estate, we can help you through the process from start to finish. Following filing, Tennessee's probate process can last anywhere from four months to multiple years if it is a contested probate. Properly dealing with the courts and creditors is of utmost importance during this process. One mistake can delay an estate's probate and cost you time and money. Let us be there to help you every step of the way.

Appellate Law

Appeals are in integral part of any judicial process. It is essential that you understand the procedure for filing an appeal when an adverse judgment has been rendered against you. Whether you are filing an appeal as of right to the Court of Appeals or the Court of Criminal Appeals, an permissive interlocutory appeal, or seeking permission to appeal to the Tennessee Supreme Court, you will need an attorney who has handled numerous civil and criminal appeals in order to best make your case before the appellate courts of Tennessee.

Brandon Griffin was born and raised in Sparta, Tennessee. He graduated from White County High School in 2006. He went on to graduate from Tennessee Tech with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, where he earned high honors. Mr. Griffin graduated in the top 25% of his class from the Cecil C. Humphrey’s School of Law in May of 2013. During his time at Cecil C. Humphrey’s School of Law Brandon Griffin earned CALI Awards for Academic Excellence in two classes. The classes were Decedent’s Estates and Admiralty Law. Mr. Griffin enjoys practicing in the areas of criminal defense, estate planning, and business law.

Mr. Griffin especially enjoys helping small businesses find legal solutions that meet their needs. Mr. Griffin believes in a client focused style of practice and will strive to find a pragmatic solution to your legal issue.

Mr. Griffin has helped a diverse client base ranging from ordinary individuals and small town businesses to out of state Companies. He is an active member of the Tennessee Bar Association and the Upper Cumberland Young Lawyers Division. Mr. Griffin enjoys fishing, kayaking, and spending time with his daughter Irelia.

Tyler graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee in 2011 with a double major in History and Political Science. He then attended the University of Memphis's Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, where he graduated with honors and in the top 20% of his class. Tyler was admitted to the Tennessee bar in October 2015.

While in law school, Tyler garnered invaluable experience by:

- serving as an Articles Editor on The University of Memphis Law Review;

- interning at the City of Memphis's City Attorney's office;

- externing for the Hon. Bernice B. Donald of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit;

- serving as a hearing officer for the Memphis Housing Authority in conjunction with the law school's Housing Adjudication Clinic; and

- interning and then later clerking for the Hon. Donna M. Fields, Circuit Court judge for Tennessee's Thirtieth Judicial District.

Tyler was also honored in law school by winning the CALI award for highest grade in a class in both Federal Courts and Jurisprudence and receiving the 2013 Federal Bar Association's Memphis & Mid-South Chapter Award.

In his spare time, Tyler enjoys sports and spending time with his family, including his lovely wife Jennifer, his son James, and their three dogs, Dalton, Dani, and Buddy. Tyler is a member of the First Baptist Church of Kingston, Rockwood Civitan Club, and Outdoor Kingston board.

Daniel Barnes graduated cum laude with a degree in English from Sewanee: The University of the South in 2009. He attended law school at the University of Tennessee, where he was a member of Moot court board and the black law students association. He also received the "Raptor Award" in first semester torts, and received an award for the highest grade in Criminal Seminar. He graduated and was admitted to the Tennessee bar in 2012 and takes cases in the fields of criminal law, immigration, and civil litigation, and has bench and jury trial experience, including multiple not guilty verdicts.

Shawn was born and raised in Kingston, Tennessee. He graduated from Midway High School in 2005. Shawn then went on to graduate cum laude from South College with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Legal Studies. While at South College, he was awarded the Outstanding Legal Studies Student Award. Following college, Shawn earned his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law in 2013 as a member of the school’s first graduating class. During law school, he was a member of the Family Law Society.

In his spare time, Shawn enjoys spending time in the Great Smoky Mountains, going to movies, visiting historical places, and studying the paranormal. He also has a huge soft spot for animals--especially for his two beautiful calico cats, Jolene (JoJo) and Fancy. Shawn is a member of the Rockwood Civitan Club.

Ragan was born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee and graduated from William Blount High School. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. While attending the University of Tennessee, Ragan became a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Ragan attended law school at Lincoln Memorial University: Duncan School of Law. While in law school, Ragan gained invaluable experience by:

· serving as Executive Managing Editor on Lincoln Memorial University Law Review;

· being elected as Treasurer of the Student Bar Association;

· serving on the Academic Integrity Committee;

· externing for Judges Lisa A. Lowe and Pamela Johnson of the Tennessee Bureau of Worker’s Compensation; and

· externing for Magistrate Judges H. Bruce Guyton and C. Clifford Shirley of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.

During law school, Ragan was awarded multiple scholarships, received a CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Tennessee Constitutional Law, was a recipient of the General Oliver O. Howard Pro Bono Award, and was recognized as a 2017 Law Student for Justice.

In her spare time, Ragan loves going to the movies, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Ragan is a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Originally from Nashville, Tara graduated in the top 20% of her high school class in 2011. She went on to attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, graduating magna cum laude in May 2014 with a degree in Political Science and a minor in English Writing. She then moved to Knoxville and attended the University of Tennessee College of Law, graduating in May 2017.

While in law school, Tara was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity, and she was an active member of Law Women and the Pro Bono Executive Board. Tara volunteered several hours to pro bono service during her time at UT by helping homeless men and women with legal issues, working with Legal Aid in both Knoxville and Chattanooga, and serving as a law clerk at the Federal Defender Services of East Tennessee office in Knoxville. Tara also organized an event as a member of Law Women, and she was able to help raise money to donate to the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee.

Tara also felt very committed to having a hands-on approach in law school, and has extensive clinic experience. She served in the Domestic Violence Clinic, where she helped women get orders of protection; the Expungement Clinic, where she assisted citizens with expunging criminal matters off their record; and Advocacy Clinic, where she represented juveniles in delinquent matters.

Through this work, she realized that she really had a passion for helping others during sensitive times in their lives, and she has decided to dedicate most of her practice to family law. She has been a member of the Tennessee Bar since December 2017. When she isn’t practicing law, Tara enjoys staying at home with her cats, reading, going to concerts, playing video games, babysitting her niece and nephew, Lilly and Griffin, and journaling.

Born and raised in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, Tanner joins us after being admitted to the bar in April 2018. Tanner received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Tennessee in May 2014. While completing his undergraduate studies, Tanner participated in Student Government, VolCorps (a service organization), and various political campaigns. Additionally, he completed a semester abroad in Seville, Spain in the spring of 2013.

After receiving his Bachelor’s degree, Tanner went on to also receive his Juris Doctorate from the University of Tennessee. While in law school he participated in several organizations such as Phi Alpha Delta, Lambda Law, and Christian Legal Society. Additionally, he served as a Student Attorney in the Domestic Violence Clinic for which he received a CALI Award, which is awarded to the top student in the program. While in the Domestic Violence Clinic, Tanner represented low-income domestic abuse victims as they sought Orders of Protection against their abusers. Through his work as a Student Attorney and as a law clerk/legal assistant for a few law firms while in law school, Tanner recognized where his true purpose is - to be a voice for people who need one.

When not practicing law, Tanner enjoys writing, traveling as much as possible, and spending time with his Beagle/Schnauzer Mix, Sullivan.

Michael Rocco earned his J.D. from Albany Law School in 2006. He has interned for the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, in Brooklyn where he conducted legal research for the justices of the Court and readied opinions for publication.

After being admitted to the New York State Bar in 2007, Mr. Rocco joined Neil H. Kupferman, Esq., P.C. in Brooklyn, New York, where he represented clients in multi-million dollar commercial and residential real estate transactions, represented both private and institutional mortgage lenders, and practiced general business law.

In 2009 he moved to Tennessee where he was admitted to practice law in 2010. Prior to his admission to the Tennessee Bar, Mr. Rocco volunteered for the Public Defender’s Office for the 13th Judicial District of Tennessee.

Mr. Rocco has traveled extensively in Europe and Asia, and has lived in both Hong Kong as a student and mainland China as a teacher. He speaks rusty Mandarin Chinese. In his free time, he enjoys sports, reading, and computer programming.

If you need an attorney in Sparta, Spencer, Doyle, Altamont, or the surrounding areas, give Michael a call today!

STAFF

Cyndee McClain

Legal Assistant

Prior to beginning a career in the legal field, Cyndee was a Salon Owner and Master Barber Stylist for 19 years. For 3 years she worked for a local attorney's office before taking a job as a Deputy Clerk at the White County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office for almost 3 years before joining Griffin & Davis in July 2016. She was born and raised in White County and still resides with her husband, Matt, and her two children, Christian and Taylor. Cyndee and her husband are actively involved with ministry and mission-based trips.

Jennifer Pipkin

Legal Assistant

Jennifer has had myriad experiences in the law from her employment as a 911 dispatcher and a security officer at a casino in Tunica, Mississippi to her nine years as Legal Assistant to one local attorney before joining the ranks of Griffin & Davis. She enjoys being part of the legal community and assisting her attorneys in their practices, particularly interfacing and assisting clients.